Lambda Theta Alpha Observes International Women’s Day 2021

By: Destiny Lazalde, National Public Relations Committee

“There is no force equal to a woman determined to rise.”

– W.E.B. DUBOIS

Last week, women and allies across the globe observed International Women’s Day (IWD), a day established in the early 1900s during a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialized world. With a booming population and the rise of radical ideologies, Clara Zetkin, leader of the Women’s Office for the Social Democratic Party in Germany, introduced the idea of an International Women’s Day. She proposed that every year, in every country, there should be a celebration on the same day, a Women’s Day, to progress the agenda for women’s rights. IWD is celebrated across the world on March 8. 

This year, members of Lambda Theta Alpha participated in a video campaign to support the 2021 #ChooseToChallenge theme. We’re choosing to challenge the stereotypes, inequalities, and gender biases prevalent in our society. Watch our video below:

We’re using our voices to contribute to the betterment of our society, but this work is not done in just one day, it goes beyond March 8. Let’s determine to further the message of IWD by identifying women’s achievements, celebrating them, and supporting them to lead endeavors or other efforts to ensure future success.

This month, we’re also celebrating Women’s History Month (WHM). In 2011, during the 100-year centenary of International Women’s Day, President Barack Obama proclaimed March to be “Women’s History Month”. Throughout March, Americans are called to reflect on the extraordinary accomplishments and contributions of women in our society. With more women in the boardroom, greater legislative equality, and an increased critical mass of women’s visibility as impressive role models in every aspect of life, there has been a significant shift for women both in the U.S. and abroad.

There is no limit to what we can accomplish and IWD marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality and creating change throughout the year. Beyond IWD and WHM, we encourage readers to host events in support of women. Here are some examples: 

• Shop women-owned businesses
• Organize a fundraiser or donate to a women’s charity
• Host an event that recognizes the contribution of women in our society
• Participate in a global women’s conference or host your own
• Create a networking opportunity for women
• Highlight women’s accomplishments on your social channels – i.e. poetry, science, politics, technology, motherhood, etc.
• Host a virtual event focused on discussing women’s issues

Everything we do can make a difference, so let’s not stop at one day or one month, but let’s  #ChooseToChallenge every day.